Tributes have been paid to an inspirational runner who raised thousands for charity despite having terminal cancer.

Derek Emsley, of Leslie Avenue, Yeadon, died on Monday and his friends have described the awe in which they held him.

The 47-year-old was diagnosed with terminal skin cancer last August but insisted on running two marathons this year to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

His good humour and dedication despite his illness has been an inspiration to all who knew him and his colleagues at Skyrac AC will dedicate their annual Fell Championship trophy to his memory.

Chairman of Skyrac AC Graham Breeze said: "Derek made an impact on Skyrac far beyond his running prowess because of his friendly enthusiastic personality and for the open and positive way that he dealt with his terminal cancer.

"Fell running and marathon running have little in common but Derek achieved his London goal last spring and then reached an unbeatable maximum points in the Fell Championship in August.

"He then became aware of the severity of his illness but kept it from others competing in the championships so they did not ease off. He wanted to win against the best competition, not as an act of charity.

"After the extent of his illness became known his Skyrac club mates were in awe of his stoic cheerfulness in the face of an illness everyone fears.

"Memories of Derek will never fade and he will remain an inspiration to those who had the delight of knowing him, training with him and racing against him.

"To honour Derek's achievement in winning the club Fell Championship at his only attempt Skyrac will dedicate the annual award to his memory so future runners, who did not know the pleasure of his company, may also be inspired by his legacy."

Derek discovered he had cancer five years ago and last August he was told that the illness was terminal and he only had six months to live.

He was determined to complete the London Marathon and the Three Peaks Fell Race this year but due to the medication he was on was only able to complete first race.

He started the Three Peaks Fell race but reached the check point a minute too late to be able to continue.

Derek, an engineer from Holly Park Rewinds in Pudsey, told the Wharfedale Observer that he was raising money to fund more Macmillan nurses. "I want to put a bit back for the people following me," he said.

Fundraising manager of Macmillan Cancer Relief, Pat Whalley, said he was an inspiration to others living with cancer.

"It was a privilege to know Derek," she said.

"He was a lovely man, he was so full of life and bounce, so positive in everything he did. There really couldn't have been a better example of Macmillan philosophy of living with cancer and living life to the full while having the disease.

"He is a wonderful example to anyone and he raised thousands for the charity."

Last year he was awarded the Skyrac Athletics Club's 2002 Fell Running Shield for the first time, after a string of wins, which included leaving a wedding early in order to compete.

The champion runner had been competing in the sport seriously for six years and had run the London Marathon five times. He leaves a wife, Jill, and two children, Daniel and Janine.

l A service is due to take place at Rawdon Crematorium on Monday, from 3.40pm.